53A.04  Small Claims Procedure: Notice Of Dispute

What this form is for

• • Use this form when you want to dispute a claim made against you in the small claims court
• • Only use this form for claims within the small claims monetary limit
• • Do not use this form if you're the one making the claim
• • Use this form instead of an appeal, which is for different court decisions

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

You must submit this form within 15 days of being served with the claim form. Missing this deadline may result in a judgment being entered against you without your case being heard.

Before you submit

• • Form is completed in full with no blank sections
• • Personal details are accurate and match your identification
• • Claim reference number is correctly entered
• • Reasons for dispute are clearly stated
• • Form is signed and dated
• • A copy is kept for your records
• • Submission method matches court requirements

How to file this form

1. 1Obtain the correct version of Form 53A.04 from the Courts Service website or your local court office
2. 2Complete all sections with accurate information
3. 3Clearly state your reasons for disputing the claim
4. 4Sign and date the form
5. 5Submit to the appropriate District Court office within 15 days of receiving the claim
6. 6Keep a copy of your submitted form for your records
7. 7Note the date and method of submission

Known limitations

• • This form only applies to disputes within the small claims monetary limit
• • It cannot be used to appeal a court decision
• • Submitting this form doesn't guarantee your dispute will be successful
• • The form must be submitted within the strict 15-day deadline
• • Complex legal disputes may require additional legal assistance